The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) says it will commence the Nigeria Rugby League in November following the successful securing of support for the competition.
The federation disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday after an emergency board meeting in Abuja, where members deliberated on the format and organisation of the proposed league.
According to the federation, the competition will begin with regional contests aimed at producing six regional champions who will advance to the national finals, tagged the Super Cup.
The Super Cup is scheduled to hold in Abuja in February 2027.
NRFF President, Dr. Ademola Aré, said the federation has been working behind the scenes to secure the necessary support to launch the league.
Aré added that a committee had been established to further examine the competition’s format and make recommendations to the board.
He said the proposed structure was expected to feature six men’s teams and six women’s teams competing for national honours.
The committee is expected to submit its report to the board next Thursday, according to the statement.
Aré also disclosed that support was being considered for the regional competitions, with funds expected to be made available to facilitate the matches.
The federation said the regional contests would provide a pathway for teams to qualify for the national finals and compete for the Super Cup title.
In a related development, the NRFF has appointed six team managers to coordinate rugby activities across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
The appointments are expected to strengthen communication between the federation and state rugby associations, as well as ensure the timely dissemination of information on rugby activities nationwide
The federation said the appointments formed part of efforts to improve coordination and strengthen the administration of the sport across the country.
The Nigeria Rugby League is expected to bring regional teams together in a structured competition, culminating in the national finals in Abuja in February 2027.
